Is Curse of the Black Widow Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Curse of the Black Widow is likely a skip if you enjoy Horror movies.
It features a runtime of 100 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Curse of the Black Widow Review
Last updated: January 11, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1977, Curse of the Black Widow enters the Horror genre with a narrative focused on Tony Franciosa plays a detective who's on the trail of a murderer whose mutilated and predominantly male victims are found encased in silken cocoons. Under the direction of Dan Curtis, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Anthony Franciosa, Donna Mills, June Lockhart. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, Curse of the Black Widow offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
Social Impact & Cultural Context
Beyond the narrative, Curse of the Black Widow resonates with current cultural themes in the Horror space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
Where to Watch & Streaming Info
As of January 2026, Curse of the Black Widow is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US, UK, and India, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release. Don't miss the high-definition experience provided by premium large format (PLF) screenings.
Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown
The plot of Curse of the Black Widow centers on a unique premise within the Horror landscape. Tony Franciosa plays a detective who's on the trail of a murderer whose mutilated and predominantly male victims are found encased in silken cocoons... The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1977 cinema will find fairly predictable.
Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of Curse of the Black Widow has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a Curse of the Black Widow sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for Curse of the Black Widow (1977): with an audience rating of 5/10, the reception has been divisive. It is a recommended for fans of Horror, TV Movie, Mystery cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Curse of the Black Widow has not been officially rated yet. However, due to its genre classification (Horror, TV Movie, Mystery), viewers should expect frightening scenes, intense suspense.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5/10, and global collection metrics, Curse of the Black Widow stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1977 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Curse of the Black Widow movie hit or flop?
Curse of the Black Widow has received mixed reviews with a 5/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Curse of the Black Widow worth watching?
Curse of the Black Widow is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Horror, TV Movie, Mystery movies, but read reviews first.
What genre is Curse of the Black Widow?
Curse of the Black Widow is a Horror, TV Movie, Mystery movie that Tony Franciosa plays a detective who's on the trail of a murderer whose mutilated and predominantly male victims are found encased in silken cocoons.....
Explore More Verdicts
More with Anthony Franciosa
View full filmography
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Is Curse of the Black Widow movie hit or flop?
Curse of the Black Widow has received mixed reviews with a 5/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Curse of the Black Widow worth watching?
Curse of the Black Widow is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Horror, TV Movie, Mystery movies, but read reviews first.
What genre is Curse of the Black Widow?
Curse of the Black Widow is a Horror, TV Movie, Mystery movie that Tony Franciosa plays a detective who's on the trail of a murderer whose mutilated and predominantly male victims are found encased in silken cocoons.....
Is Curse of the Black Widow family friendly?
Curse of the Black Widow may not be suitable for all family members as it contains Horror, TV Movie, Mystery elements. Parental guidance is recommended.
Where can I watch Curse of the Black Widow?
You can find streaming options and availability for Curse of the Black Widow on popular platforms. Check movieMx for the latest updates and reviews.
Who is the main cast of Curse of the Black Widow?
Curse of the Black Widow features a talented cast. Check our "Top Cast" section to see the full list of actors and the characters they play in this film.
How long is the movie Curse of the Black Widow?
The runtime and duration of Curse of the Black Widow are available in the movie details section. It's a gripping story that keeps you engaged from start to finish.
Critic Reviews
Private eye Franciosa is hired by nervy Mills to investigate her husband's death, only to find this leads to a series of murders of men close to her, where the victims are coccooned and filled with venom. Cop Morrow is suitably exasperated and encourages Franciosa to find a solution he can put in a report. This picture allows Curtis full rein to create an outlandish horror story, populated by distinct characters, played by versatile actors. Special effects are excellent and used sparingly. Franciosa is effortless as the insouciant detective whose initial scepticism crumbles as he learns more about Mills family, including mom Lockhart and icy sister Duke.
**_Were-Spider By Night_** Some men are dying in horrific ways in SoCal and a private investigator seeks the answers (Tony Franciosa) while the detective in charge tries to keep a lid on the unusual details (Vic Morrow). A woman hires the private eye, who has a twin (Donna Mills and Patty Duke). "Curse of the Black Widow" (1977) is similar to other spooky thrillers of the 70s by Dan Curtis, like "The Night Strangler" (1973), "The Norliss Tapes" (1973) and "Scream of the Wolf" (1974), all of which were made-for-TV. One critic said it’s unintentionally funny, but I didn’t see that. Sure, it’s an outlandish state of affairs, which is acknowledged by the players, but the tone is kept serious with the cast respecting the material. Aside from Duke and Mills on the feminine front, Roz Kelly appears as the private eye’s assistant, Flaps. You might recall Roz as Pinky Tuscadero on Happy Days. I was expecting something along the lines of 1987’s “Black Widow” with Debra Winger, Theresa Russell and Dennis Hopper but, no, this is more in the vein of the aforementioned flicks mixed with Marvel’s Werewolf By Night. The F/X at the end aren’t bad considering this was a television production long before CGI became in vogue. While a couple things in the story are predictable, e.g. the epilogue, there are also some interesting bits and one or two really creepy scenes at the dilapidated farm. Meanwhile Franciosa makes for a surprisingly good protagonist and his relationship with his spunky subordinate is entertaining. The film runs 1 hours, 40 minutes, and was shot in 20th Century Fox Studios in Century City and other spots of the Los Angeles area, i.e. Piru Mansion, Malibu, Buena Park, Culver City and West Hollywood. GRADE: B-/B